Red hot and it’s going To get even hotter
SCHOOLS TO CLOSE AS HEATWAVE HITS TEESSIDE
FOLLOWING a very warm weekend, temperatures on Teesside continued to soar – with a peak of 34C recorded in Middlesbrough on Monday.
The UK-wide heatwave, which has led to red weather warnings issued in parts of the country, has seen sun-worshippers lathering on the sun cream and enjoying the holiday-like climate.
While others have tucked themselves away indoors with the hoping of staying a bit cooler – or perhaps filled up an inflatable swimming pool in their back garden.
But it’s not all been fun in the sun, the first Teesside schools announced closures for today as temperatures are expected to hit 38C.
Many of those who are still attending school are being told to wear PE kits, come in their own clothes or have a relaxed uniform policy. Although one school has reminded children that even if they are dressed in their lighter PE kits, they don’t need to come to school with a bodywarmer or hoodie.
An amber weather warning remains in place for Teesside and people were being reminded not to take risks in the extreme heat.
School closures and changes
Both Priory Woods School and Arts College in Ormesby, Middlesbrough, and Conyers School and Sixth Form College, in Yarm, have confirmed students will be logging into classes from home today.
With temperatures expected to reach up to 38C, headteachers at these schools have made the difficult decision to close.
For those at Conyers it would have been pupils’ last day at the site before breaking up for the summer holidays.
A statement from the school that was sent to parents said: “Due to the extreme high temperatures expected on Tuesday, July 19, we have taken the decision to adjust our final day arrangements.
“The expected high temperatures will result in extremely uncomfortable classrooms, which would not be conducive for effective teaching and learning.
“Consequently, we have taken the decision to move to virtual provision on Tuesday, July 19.
“All students who are able to stay home should do so.”
While Priory Woods School and Arts College, which provides education for pupils with severe learning difficulties and those with profound and multiple needs, announced it would be closed to all pupils today.
Over at Berwick Hills Primary
School, the sports day has been cancelled due to the soaring temperatures. While Outwood Academy Ormesby has issued a reminder to students to come dressed in PE kits or normal uniform without ties and blazers.
It comes as they say a number of children arrived in PE kits and body warmers – as the temperature on Teesside tops 30 degrees C.
Travelling in the heat
Rail services have called for passengers to only travel where necessary and speeds have been reduced due to the fear rail tracks could buckle under the heat.
Northern Rail is warning passengers not to travel on today. Instead, the company suggests passengers stay inside and keep cool.
Tony Baxter, regional director for Northern, said: “We don’t issue ‘Do Not Travel’ notices lightly, but given the guidance published by government and expected disruption caused by extreme temperatures, we feel this is the safest advice for our customers.
“There will be blanket speed reductions in place and a limited timetable in operation throughout the region.”
It comes after Network Rail announced the East Coast Main Line between London, Leeds and York would be closing entirely 12pm until 8pm today due to the heat.
Fun in the sun
Despite the difficulties that have arisen due to the unusually hot weather the country is having, many have been able to enjoy themselves and make the most of the scorching conditions you’d normally have to travel abroad for.
Despite the sizzling temperatures on Teesside yesterday, it’s only going to get hotter with highs of 38C predicted for today.
Although there will be some cloud coverage and a slight chance of rain this evening, the sun will be beaming down for most of the day.